Europe is renowned for being one of the most culturally diverse places on the planet, with Austria at its core. Austria is an ancient yet ever-developing country renowned for its majestic castles, houses, and landscapes.
It is also the birthplace of many prominent classical composers, including Mozart and Strauss. International students who study for free in a country like Austria can experience art in its natural setting.
It is also the birthplace of many prominent classical composers, including Mozart and Strauss.
International students who study for free in a country like Austria have the ability to experience art in its natural setting.
Austria’s standard of life is recognized as among the best in the world, which means that the everyday burden of life outside of school will not be a deterrent to potential international students who want to study in Austria.
Why study in Austria?
Austria, despite its limited size, has had a significant influence on the planet.
It was responsible for Sigmund Freud’s innovative works, Ludwig Wittgenstein’s metaphysical musings, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s rousing symphonies.
(Not to mention Arnold Schwarzenegger, the action hero-turned-politician!)
Austria also has breathtaking scenery, lively towns, and some of the world’s best universities.
With no tuition fees for EU nationals and financial assistance for those coming from further afield, it’s no surprise that Austria is becoming a popular destination for international students seeking an academic adventure.
So, here are seven good reasons to study in Austria.
Quality of life
Austria is generally acknowledged to be one of the world’s most livable nations.
Austria was ranked first in terms of quality of life by the Institute for Management Development (IMD) in 2018.
The IMD ranks the world’s most livable countries using a variety of metrics, including economic development, creativity, and cultural heritage, as well as significant measures of individual well-being including collective spirit, mental health, and work satisfaction.
Austrians scored high on all metrics, but those living in the country’s capital had the highest rate of satisfaction.
The Economist Intelligence Unit called Vienna the most liveable city in the world for the second year in a row (EIU).
Vienna earned high marks for economic stability, infrastructure, and education, making this beautiful European capital an excellent place to begin an academic career.
A rich intellectual history
Austria, despite its limited scale, has had an immense influence on European culture.
Austria was home to some of Europe’s most influential 20th-century intellectuals, including Sigmund Freud.
Young Sigmund received his diploma from the University of Vienna, which boasts an impressive alumni list.
Erwin Schroedinger, the Nobel Prize-winning physicist, conducted much of his early research in Vienna before going on to develop groundbreaking new ideas in quantum theory, general relativity, and thermodynamics.
Friedrich Hayek, another Nobel laureate, studied economics at the University of Vienna before moving on to positions at the London School of Economics and the hugely influential Chicago School of Economics.
Hayek’s landmark novel The Road to Serfdom has now sold over two million copies and is now considered one of the strongest reasons for economic and political liberalism.
Elfriede Jelinek, a novelist, became the University of Vienna’s 15th Nobel Peace Laureate recipient in 2004.
World-class universities
Austria boasts some of the world’s best universities.
Seven Austrian universities were included in the QS World University Rankings in 2018, with five of them ranking in the top 500.
The University of Vienna, Austria’s oldest and most prestigious university, was ranked first (154th.)
It is one of Europe’s largest universities, with about 94,000 students, and it draws undergraduate and postgraduate students from all over the world.
The majority of courses are taught in German, as is the case at many Austrian universities, but there are many English-only programs, especially at the master’s level.
Austria is one of the European countries that provide free university education to EU students.
This means that if you are an EU or EEA resident, you do not have to pay university tuition in Austria.
You will also have to pay for your living and educational expenses.
Fees for students studying outside the EU differ depending on where they study.
However, they are still far lower than in many other nations.
Non-EU students pay an average of €726 (approximately $800) per semester.
International students can apply for a variety of scholarships and financial aid programs.
International students are encouraged to apply.
Before applying, always study the necessary entry criteria of the course you’re interested in.
However, in general, students looking to study abroad in Austria must have a high school diploma that qualifies them for admission to a university in their home country.
You would also need to provide proof of German language proficiency.
It can be a school certificate or a German-language diploma confirming at least four years of German instruction.
If you plan to pursue a diploma on your own, look for a school or college that awards certificates recognized by your chosen university.
It’s easy to settle in.
Austria is the ideal destination for international students worldwide, with a massive and diverse student body and an urban, forward-thinking attitude. Universities in the country offer unique introduction programs for international students, allowing students to learn about local cultures, make new friends, and get their bearings in their new host country.
Austria also has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, so you’ll be safe exploring every corner of whatever city you want to study.
Austrians like their German and Swiss neighbors have earned a well-deserved reputation for their dependability and realism in public life.
The public transportation networks are fast, clean, and dependable, and a simplified approach to public administration and social services means you won’t get bogged down in bureaucratic issues when opening a bank account or enrolling with a local doctor.
How to study free in Austria?
Students who wish to study for free in Austria must enroll in an Austrian university.
Austrian universities accept applications online through their respective websites.
The admissions process could take more than two months.
You can apply for a visa after you have been admitted to a recognized university.
You may apply for a visa at your nearest Austrian embassy or consulate.
International student applicants to Austrian embassies must show financial stability.
This provision is to ensure that students have enough money to live on during their planned stay in Austria.
Students who want to study for free in Austria must take the steps outlined below:
1. Become acquainted with Austria and its culture.
Knowing what makes an area or space special is an important part of taking a significant leap into an unknown field or space.
Understanding what makes Austria a particular culture to reckon with is vital if you are planning to study abroad because it will give you an idea of whether or not you will succeed in Austria in the long run.
Not all cultures can be appropriate for you, owing to personal preferences and variations, while being open to new experiences may be beneficial at times.
Experiencing something entirely new and different from what you’re used to teaching you a slew of valuable skills and knowledge that can help you become a more well-rounded individual in the long run.
2. Apply to Universities That Interest You
Countries can have different titles and paths that they want to go in specific areas of research, which is why for international students who aspire to become professionals in a particular area, reading up on the latest trends and progress of any university will be a crucial factor to consider.
Choosing a university that appeals to you will help you with your application in the long route because the academic area will be something you want to learn about and work in the future.
3. Look for scholarships at Austrian universities.
Money and expenditures do not prevent students from pursuing a high-quality education, whether at home or abroad.
However, due to budget and resource constraints, certain colleges are unable to provide scholarships and tuition fee grants to all students.
As a result, universities in Austria require certain conditions to be met in order to decide which applicants in need of financial assistance can obtain it.
Obtaining scholarships from Austrian universities is an excellent way to study for free in Austria.
The Medical University of Vienna is an example of a university in Austria that offers scholarships.
Students participating in everyday studies at the Medical University of Vienna will apply for a financial grant using their grant application form.
They may be eligible for such financial assistance if they have earned the required number of points in the university’s curriculum and have social security details if the student is self-employed or has employment.
Universities, such as the University of Salzburg, provide their students with several types of scholarship grants, some of which are for international activities.
They also offer grants to those who need financial assistance for their thesis or dissertation, including those who have demonstrated outstanding scientific achievement. Many interested in science should apply for scholarships at universities such as the University of Salzburg, which is based on more modern-type research.
4. Look for Austrian Universities that are reasonably priced.
If you want to study in Austria for free, you can look for affordable Austrian universities.
If you do not have a scholarship or financial assistance, the average cost of tuition in Austria is 700 Euros per year, assuming two semesters.
This price rises to 7,500 Euros for those who are not citizens of the EU/EEA or Switzerland.
It is important to remember the tuition fees that each university charges students, so you can often choose the more competitive ones while still receiving quality education from Austrian institutions.
5. Look for part-time work to help with expenses.
Students in Austria who apply for work permits under certain conditions have the option of working while studying.
Students from third countries and Croatia must apply for a work permit and ensure that any work they agree to does not jeopardize their studies.
Work hours in Austria are limited to a maximum of 20 hours per week.
If a student wishes to work for more than 20 hours per week, a labor market check must be completed first.
6. Discover Ways to Maximize Your Budget
When it comes to studying abroad, having a lot of money isn’t necessarily a prerequisite.
Living on a tight budget is often how you can take advantage of more opportunities.
As an international student in a foreign country like Austria, it may be tempting to spend your money on luxurious apartments and accommodations, but the safest thing to do is save money by selecting cheaper alternatives.
It means you’ll have more money to spend on education and fees.
Furthermore, scholarships allow you to study in Austria for free by reducing your overall spending.
7. Apply for Government Scholarships in Your Own Country
Your home country’s government may also provide you with scholarships to study abroad.
This information can be easily taken from your respective government agencies or departments in charge of international affairs or education.
It could be advantageous to you because it eliminates the need to contact organizations outside of your own country.
8. Apply for Other Organizations’ Scholarships
Opportunities are still open if you keep looking for new ways to discover them.
If scholarships are no longer available, another alternative will be to apply for loans from financial institutions, which may be private or public companies, or other money-lending services.
Student loans are another excellent choice, particularly if they have low or no interest rates.
Other services, such as training and exchange programs run by independent organizations, are also available.
Free Universities in Austria
The majority of Austria’s public universities offer free education; however, private universities charge tuition.
We have listed a few of Austria’s public universities that provide free education to domestic and international students.
- University of innsbruck
- Anton Bruckner University
- University of JOANNEUM
- Medical University of Graz
- Veinna university
- University of Graz
- MCI Management Center Innsbruck
Application Process in Austria
Take the steps below to get one step closer to your next academic adventure:
1. Choose a Program
It is the first and most crucial move. Create a blueprint for the person you want to be in the coming years.
Consider your interests and passions, as well as potential technical and social advances, when choosing a profession.
Then, settle on the level of research. Is it a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree, or do you want to concentrate on study for a Ph.D.?
Bachelor’s degree programs in Austria are almost entirely taught in German, so ensure you have the requisite language proficiency level for admission.
2. Examine the Admission Requirements
Every university, public or private, and every program, depending on the discipline, is unique and may have specific entry criteria.
Contact the program coordinators by email from the official website if you have any concerns about the admissions requirements or if anything is ambiguous before you begin collecting all of the documentation.
Outstanding applications result from excellent preparation!
3. Complete the Paperwork
Perhaps the least exciting and most unpleasant part of the process, but there is nothing to worry about if you are well qualified. The following documents are required for the application process to Austrian universities:
- Identification must be given in the form of an identity card or a passport, including copies of both.
- Photographs in passport format.
- A high school diploma from your country of origin, or an equivalent, is required.
- Transcripts of records demonstrating your previous education and grades in studies.
- You should write a motivation letter explaining why you choose the software.
- A recommendation letter from previous professors
- Proof of English language proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS.
- Proof of German language proficiency will be needed depending on the program and level of study you are applying for via SD, TestDaF, Goethe Institut, or Telc Deutsch.
- Proof of payment of the application fee
- Proof of bank statements needed to sustain you through your studies.
4. Submit Your Application
The challenging part is over; you’ve collected all of the necessary documents. It is now time to submit your study submission.
Due to the lack of a centralized application framework, the application process for Austrian universities is managed by the universities themselves.
As a result, you can contact the universities to which you want to apply, and they will provide you with more precise details.
All applications are submitted online, but some organizations can require you to send all official documents via postal mail.
Keep in mind that this will necessitate extra time, so don’t put off sending anything on time.
If you apply via the Austrian Embassy or Consulate in your home country, your application will be automatically forwarded to the educational institution of your choosing.
5. Obtain an Austrian Student Visa
Congratulations! You’ve been accepted to a university in Austria.
The next step is to apply for your visa/residence permit, which will allow you to continue your studies without interruption.
Begin your visa application as soon as possible as an international student.
You will also be required to apply for the first payment of tuition fees for your first semester at that time, if necessary.
6. Travel to Austria
After you’ve been admitted and have your visa in hand, it’s time to start packing warm clothes for your studies in Austria!
Start searching for accommodation online, enter online student forums to get a feel for what it’s like to be a student in Austria, start studying some simple German through a smartphone app, and finally buy a plane ticket to arrive in Europe’s Alpine paradise.
Best wishes for your studies!
Is it possible for international students to attend tuition-free universities in Austria?
Yes and no, in a nutshell. The response is highly dependent on your nationality. Many public universities in Austria are free whether you are from the EU or Switzerland.
Furthermore, if you are from one of the following developing countries:
Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Djibouti, Eritrea, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Yemen, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Kiribati, Comoros, Congo (Democratic Republic), Laos (Democratic People’s Republic), Lesotho, Liberia, then many public universities in Austria are free.
Students who are not from the EU, Switzerland or one of the developing countries mentioned above must pay a small amount of tuition, which is approximately USD 1,600 per year for public universities and more for private universities.
The University of Vienna, Johannes Kepler University Linz, University of Graz, Medical University of Vienna, University of Innsbruck, and the University of Leoben are among Austria’s free public universities.
What do the prerequisites for studying in Austria entail?
Undergraduate students are required to have a high school diploma that is equivalent to the Austrian Matura exam qualification.
Graduate candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in a specific area. Working knowledge of German is also needed.
Other important framework documents are:
- Transcript of academic records with ratings
- Application forms that have been completed
- Passport or identification card
- Photographs of identification
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